Ohio gubernatorial race attack ad controversy involving Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy
The Ohio gubernatorial race has become embroiled in controversy over a political advertisement aired by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features Democrat Amy Acton's estranged mother, whose husband was charged with sexual abuse during Acton's childhood. Acton has called the ad despicable and her campaign has condemned it, while Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump have defended it amid bipartisan criticism.
Current state
A Ramaswamy campaign attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother calling her a liar remains at the center of the Ohio governor’s race, with Acton and her campaign condemning it as despicable, her brother disclosing that their stepfather sexually abused Acton as a child, and both Vice President Vance and President Trump defending the ad.
5 sources · 7 reports · Updated 23 Oct 2026
What changed
President Trump has also defended Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad against Amy Acton, joining Vice President Vance in supporting it amid criticism.
Developments
- Key development
A Republican attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother calling her a liar began circulating and is attributed to Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign.
- Key development
Acton and her campaign publicly condemned Ramaswamy over the ad, with Acton calling it 'despicable'.
- Key development
Vice President Vance defended the Ramaswamy ad despite backlash.
- Earlier development
Acton and her mother became estranged after Acton’s mother backed her husband following his arrest on rape charges.
- Key development
Acton’s brother condemned the ad as a 'despicable low' and said their stepfather sexually abused Acton when she was a child.